Easier family reunion
The Albanese government has made it easier for families to reunite, introducing demand-driven partner visas in 2022/23.
Note: This means there is no limit to the number of these visas issued.
The Department of Home Affairs is estimating it will issue around 40,500 partner visas this financial year.
Note: Child visas are also demand-driven and an estimated 3,000 visas are expected to be issued.
However, what does it ‘really cost to apply for and travel to Australia on a Visitor’s or (Tourist) Visa’ from the Philippines to Australia to be reunited with family, friends and associates.
Cost of Visitor’s (Tourist) Visa to Australia from the Philippines
An example that is regularly processed by RESPALL Migration Australia to keep relationships bonded and continuous, would more than likely involved the following.
When a couple have just met or have already developed a relationship, they usually decide to continue their relationship and eventually the Australian partner invites their fiancé, spouse or de facto partner to travel back with them to Australia to meet his family, friends and associates and of course travel about and allow their partner to get to know the ‘Australian way of life’.
This is a natural progression in any relationship and has been recognised by the Department of Home Affairs and they base their partner visa application process, around these parameters.
However, what potential Australian partners of Filipino visa applicants must understand is that there are costs involved outside the normal Visa Application Charges (VAC) imposed by the Department of Home Affairs which, as of 29/12/2022, was AUD $150.00 dollars.
Simultaneously, the Australian partner must do an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check which as of the 29/12/2022 was AUD $42.00 dollars. Once secure should be sent to the Filipino Visitors Visa applicant to include in their temporary tourist visa application for Australia.
Is a CENOMAR required?
A Certificate of No Marriage Record (CENOMAR) is simply what its name implies. It is a certification issued by the Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA) stating that a person has not contracted any marriage. Also called a certificate of No Record of Marriage or Certificate of Singleness.
In legal definitions for interpersonal status, a single person is someone who has never been married. A person who was previously married and was divorced or widowed is usually considered an “unmarried” person. If a marriage is annulled, however, or it is found to have been void ab initio (i.e., not valid in law to start with), and assuming the person was not married previously, that individual is single, rather than unmarried.
Currently the cost to apply for a CENOMAR as of the 29/12/2022 is: Php430.00 pesos.
Whilst this is all being processed and lodged to the Department of Home Affairs, both the Filipino tourist visa applicant and Australian partner must understand that if the Visitor’s Visa is granted, they must then subject themselves to the requirement of the Commission on Filipino Overseas. (CFO)
Once the Visitor’s Visa Class FA subclass 600 is lodged an email is sent requesting for Biometric to be done, by the Filipino tourist visa applicant.
Biometrics conducted in the Philippines for Australia
From 04 April 2022, visa applicants in the Philippines must complete biometric (face photograph and fingerprint scan) collection for each application lodged, irrespective of their nationality, unless they are excluded or exempt from the biometric program.
Biometrics are collected through a quick and easy process that captures a photograph of your face and a 10-digit electronic fingerprint.
NOTE: Applicants will be required to provide their biometrics each and every time they apply for a visa.
When you lodge your Visitor’s Visa application online, you will be sent a request to provide personal identifiers (biometrics) via email. You should make an appointment to attend an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC) in person to provide your biometrics in the Philippines. Take a copy of that email and your passport to the appointment.
You must provide your biometrics within 14 days of online lodgement or notify the relevant visa processing office if unable to do so. There are two (2) ABCCs in the Philippines (one (1) in Manila and one (1) in Cebu). The ABCC will charge a service fee for the collection of biometrics.
Currently the fee to conduct your BIOMETRICS as of 29/12/2022 is: Php892.00 each.
Who is CFO and why are they involved?
Established on 16 June 1980 through Batas Pambansa 79, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is an agency of the Philippine Government under the Office of the President tasked to promote and uphold the interests, rights and welfare of overseas Filipinos and strengthen their ties with the Motherland.
The evolution of the CFO can be traced with the passage of Presidential Decree No. 442 (Labor Code of the Philippines), which was enacted in 1974, creating the Office of Emigrant Affairs, along with the Overseas Employment Development Board (now POEA) among other offices created.
The following years were characterized by a steady increase in migration, thus making it necessary to establish an independent unit which would constitute a local support network solely for Filipino emigrants.
In June 1980, Batas Pambansa Bldg. 79 was enacted to strengthen the government’s policy on the promotion of migrant welfare and interest. It created the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) which replaced OEA but retained and further expanded its mandate. The decree specifically identified Filipino emigrants as the recipients of its services.
The CFO registers and provides pre-departure orientation seminars to emigrants and is especially designed to protect women and children from being traffic.
Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) fees as of 29/12/2022 is: Php30.00
However, one of the requirements to meet CFO Guidelines is for the Australian partner to present themselves and have their letter of support for notarization at their nearest Philippine Consulate in Australia.
They must bring along the original and photocopy of the document/s to be acknowledged, original and photocopy of valid identification with photograph and signature of the holder (e.g., passport, driver’s license or any other government-issued identification card), the identification must bear the name that appears on the document to be acknowledged and a non-refundable fee of AUD $45.00 dollars per document to be paid in cash or card (with 1.5% surcharge) or postal money order made payable to the “Philippine Embassy”.
As you can see applying for a Visitor’s (Tourist) Visa for your fiancé, spouse or de facto partner in the Philippines to come to Australia has developed into, an ONION.
The more you try and peel the layered requirements back, the more you cry as the costs keep rising and worse of all, so does the complexity. Oh, and then you have to purchase a return airfare ticket with travel insurance.
Avoid the Migration Minefield and just appoint RESPALL Migration Australia to secure your Filipino loved ones Visitor’s (Tourist) Visa for Australia from the Philippines and experience for yourself, RESPALL’S remarkable 23 years of migration service to Australia from the Philippines.
Thank you and MABUHAY.
